Left to Right: 2.8
Mk II, 2.8 Series
1, 1.3,
Minimonitor,
and Micromonitor

Introduction

Many of you will be unfamiliar with Fostex
speakers. You may be surprised to learn that Fostex is one of the largest
speaker manufacturers in the world. But most of their sales are for the
OEM market. In other words, other speaker companies use Fostex 'drivers'
in their products. Although Fostex speakers are well known in Japan and
Europe, they were never mass marketed in America.

You may also be surprised to discover that
Fostex speakers are among the world's best speakers. We've heard most of
the world's so-called greatest speakers--Wilson Grand Slamm, JM Labs Grande
Utopia, Genesis 1, Dynaudio Evidence, etc. (all over $50,000/pr). Incredibly, none of these speakers sound any better than our Fostex designs.
That sounds ridiculous, but it's true. These expensive speakers will play
louder and have more dynamics, but don't sound as 'natural' or 'musical.' And isn't that what you want from your speakers?

A Little Bit About Ourselves

We're not just a business. We love music as
much as you do. Our goal is to make the best possible sound affordable for everyone. We honestly feel that the Audio Nirvana,
Lowther, and Fostex speakers
we sell are the finest in the world at any price.

Why Buy From Us?

Because of our experience with full-range and
coaxial
speakers, and all types of audio electronics.

We have been building speakers using full-range,
coaxial, and triaxial speakers for more than 20 years.

We've been involved in the audio hobby for more than 45 years.

When you buy from us, you get free, unlimited lifetime technical support
and help with any cabinet design. We'll even design a custom cabinet
for you--for free.

Custom design work so you can build cabinets
to your own specifications or modify your existing cabinets--free with
any purchase.

Fostex speakers work in identical cabinets
to our other systems, so you can upgrade to Audio Nirvana or Lowther with no change to your cabinets.

Guaranteed lowest prices.

Why Are Fostex Full-Range Speakers
So Good?

1. Because Fostex speakers are FULL-RANGE.
NO separate woofer, NO tweeter, and NO crossover.

2. Frequency Response: 40-20,000 Hz.

3. Clarity, detail, accuracy, and realism are
unmatched because the sound comes from a single voicecoil.

4. Imaging and soundstage are incredible because
the sound comes from a single point in space.

5. Fostex speakers are precision made with
very light paper cones and incredibly strong magnets for precise control.

6. Fostex 8 inch speakers are very efficient--at
least 96 dB.

Model Range

Fostex makes seven different 8 inch full-range
speakers. We have evaluated all of them over a period of many months, side
by side, in identical enclosures. We choose to sell only the best, even
though that model happens to be the least expensive. We can't recommend
a more expensive speaker to our customers if it doesn't sound better--even
if we would make more money by doing so. If you want better sound than
these, you will have to move up to Lowther
, Audio Nirvana
,or PAudiospeakers.

The FE206En
is the most detailed, the most extended, the most efficient, the most natural
sounding, and has the best bass of all Fostex speakers.

The FE207E
is similar but has 'cancellation magnets' so it can be used in close proximity
to a direct view television set. It gives up some detail, extension, and
efficiency to do this.

The FE206En
and FE207E both
use a 'whizzer cone.' What's a whizzer cone? It is an inner paper cone
that acts as a midrange driver. It is mechanically linked to the main cone
and shares the same voice coil. In our experience, only full-range speakers
with this design are truly capable of satisfying full-range performance.

The FE206ES-R
Full Range Special also uses a whizzer cone.
But it has less than half the excursion of the FE206En
or FE207E.
So, it is only suitable for bass horn enclosures. It's also not quite as
clear and natural sounding as the FE206En
or FE207E.

The four other Fostex 8 inch full-range speakers
do not use a whizzer cone. Instead, three of them use an aluminum dustcap
in the center of the main cone. The other uses a paper dust cap. These
extend the mid and high frequencies somewhat but not nearly as well as
a whizzer cone

Two of these speakers have huge magnets and
cast frames. They are very expensive. These are the FX200
and F200A. They
do not go high enough in the treble to be truly satisfying. And the midrange
is somewhat veiled, soft, and lacking in detail compared to the FE206En.

The FF225K
is much cheaper and also uses an aluminum dust cap. It has a rather nasal
sounding midrange and lacks high frequency response.

Finally, we have the new FE208EZ
Sigma. It's not really a 'full-range' speaker
at all but would be more properly termed an 'extended range' speaker. It
lacks high frequencies and lacks detail in the midrange.

All of these speakers are very good. However,
in side by side comparisons with the FE206En
they lacked the same level of extension, detail, realism, clarity, and
accuracy. They're not even close.....

Which Speaker Should You Choose?

Fostex makes more expensive models, but their
best sounding speaker is the FE206En. We won't sell a speaker that costs
more--unless it sounds better--so we won't carry the other Fostex 8 inch
models.

For even better sound (the world's best, in fact), you might also want to
consider our own Audio Nirvana full-range speakers. There are 20 different models,
beginning at only $88/pr with free shipping.
There are five different 8 inch models, including a
'Super 8 Cast Frame' ($208/pr with free shipping)with
a phase plug and cast aluminum frame. A 'Super 8 Coaxial' design, using a
compression horn tweeter in the middle of the cone ($348/pr
with free shipping). And a totally new design that does not require a whizzer cone or phase plug, the
'Classic 8' ($238/pr with free shipping). And the world's best
sounding 8 inch full-range
drivers--the Audio Nirvana 'Super 8 Alnico' ($549/pr
with free shipping)
and 'Super 8 Neodymium' ($647/prwith free shipping).

Even the least expensive Audio Nirvana 8 inch
model--the 'Super 8 Cast Frame'--has a bigger magnet, lighter cone, better surround
and spider materials, cast aluminum frame, and much safer packaging.......for $46
less per pair than the Fostex FE206En. Audio Nirvana also makes the world's only true 10, 12, and
15 inch full-range speakers (starting at only $268/pr
with free shipping). These are many times
better than any 8 inch fullrange ever made. We don't build larger
full-range for more bass, but for MUCH more detailed midrange and smoother high
frequencies.

You can visit the Audio Nirvana page
by clicking here Audio
Nirvana The reason they can cost less than Fostex is that they're
built in our own factory. There are no middlemen in distribution.
Audio Nirvana are the best sounding speakers in the world--at any price.
We're over 20,000 pairs sold--with 100% money back guarantee. We've had
less than 10 pairs returned.

Our Enclosures

We offer 10 different cabinet designs for Fostex
8 inch full-range speakers. When you purchase Fostex speakers from us,
you will receive the plan of your choice for free. We will also include
a parts list and setup tips.

A well designed larger cabinet will always sound better
than a well designed smaller one. So, if you have the space, we recommend
choosing a larger cabinet design.

For those requiring a smaller system, we have three
different 'bookshelf' size bass reflex cabinet designs available:

TheMicromonitor(.41
cubic feet or 12 liters) was designed primarily as a surround speaker for home
theater. It still makes a nice 'extension' speaker for small rooms.
It is also an excellent computer speaker. You can supplement it with a
subwoofer for more bass output. Many people also choose it as a center
channel speaker.

TheMinimonitor(.87
cubic feet or 25 liters) is really our smallest standalone system. It has
full bass and dynamics and a satisfying overall balance. It also makes a
wonderful center channel or surround speaker.

TheMonitor(1.5
cubic feet or 43 liters) is our largest bookshelf system. Similar in size
to the classic bookshelf systems of the 1960's and 1970's, it gives the bass of
many floorstanding systems in a smaller package. As with all the bookshelf
systems, they can be placed upright or on their side. This cabinet was
specially designed for 8 inch full-range speakers and the performance is
stunning. But it works well with Audio Nirvana full-range up to 10 and 12
inches.

For those who want a floorstanding system, we have the
following bass reflex systems available:

The1.3(1.3
cubic feet or 37 liters)is
our smallest floorstanding system. It makes satisfactory bass for those
who have space limitations.

The2.8(2.8
cubic feet or 80 liters) comes in two versions. TheSeries
Ihas a
wide front baffle, but is shallow in depth. TheMkIIhas
a thin front baffle, but is deeper. The difference is mainly in the
styling. Both versions are available with two different porting
arrangements. The "Big Port" version offers more mid bass at the expense
of some low bass output and is best for most people in most rooms. The
"Twin Port" version has 1/3 octave more bass extension, at the expense of some
mid bass output. We generally recommend the "Big Port" version for most
customers.

We also offer two different dual driver designs: the2.8Dynamicand
the2.8Ambience.
TheDynamicgives
a big, powerful sound while maintaining the same overall tonal balance as the
normal2.8.
TheAmbienceputs
a lot more 'weight' in the bass and adds a sense of 'air' to the music.
It's our favorite version of the2.8.

The5.6or5.6
MkII(5.6 cubic feet or 160
liters)offer
more bass and dynamics, in a cabinet that is not too large for most rooms. The
MkII is narrower and deeper, but will not accept the Audio Nirvana 15 inch
full-range speaker.

The8.0
Stealth(8.0 cubic feet or 227
liters) is for those guys for whom WAF (wife acceptance factor) is important.
It looks like the smaller 5.6 from the front, but is 5.75 inches deeper. It has
more bass and dynamics than the 5.6, but doesn't really look that large.

The13.6(13.6
cubic feet or 385 liters)is
a huge cabinet that works best with the larger Audio Nirvana models. It
can even hold two 15 inch speakers.

And for those of you looking for something 'different',
we offer an 'open baffle' type of cabinet:

TheOpen
Baffleis
basically just a piece of wood supported by two 'wings' to hold it upright.
It doesn't generate a lot of bass and rolls off below 63 hz. However, the
sound from the back of the speaker is free to reflect off rear walls and join
the sound from the front of the speaker. This gives a 'fat' sound that is
very nice for classical music or for people favoring this type of sound.
Supplemented with a quality subwoofer, this system gives an unusual
presentation. It works best with the largest full-range speakers which can
generate more bass without the help of a cabinet.

Shipping Information

Shipping is free in the Continental USA. Overseas customers please email for the shipping prices.

Miscellaneous Comments

We're happy to share our experience with other
enthusiasts. Feel free to contact us with any questions you might have.

All speakers are covered by the full factory
warranty against original manufacturing defects.

If you already have speakers, you can purchase
cabinet construction plans for only $25.
We will also include a parts list and setup tips. If you later buy any
speakers from us, we will refund the $25.

We guarantee your satisfaction. If you are
unhappy with your speakers--for any reason--you can return them (in new
condition) for a restocking fee of 10%. However, in 15 years of doing business,
we can recall no one who has ever returned their speakers.

Contact

David Dicks

CommonSense Audio

34 Wild Horse Way

Chesterfield, Missouri 63005

USA

Email:

"I am delighted with the stunning performance
of the Fostex Ambience 2.5 Speakers. They look good and they sound great.
They produce a very open and highly detailed image. It's the next best
thing to being there!"--PJ Wagner

"I was very impressed with the professional
packing, the quality of the cabinet construction, and of course the sound.
The Fostex make my formerly favorite speakers sound lifeless, and I no
longer constantly twiddle the amp controls looking for a balance between
boom and shrill. My tube amps seem to run cooler, and in fact now seem
almost overpowered because of the speaker sensitivity. And the ultimate
compliment- when friends and family simply say "wow."-----Joe
Strouse

"I just completed construction of the
MKII twin port, with Fostex drivers. The clarity of your design is amazing,
even before completing the break-in. My main system consists of an Audible
Illusions preamp, Sonic Frontiers power and Proac Response 1sc`s. The MKII`s
with a modest receiver allow me to hear details that I can`t with the expensive
stuff. I`ve been a hobbist for over 30 years and these have changed everything.
These have put fun back into the hobby. I was getting burnt out on over
priced, under performing components and an industry built on reviewer's
hype. I will be singing your praise (and demonstrating it also) to my friends
who share our passion."--Ray Kobald.

"The 1.3/FE206E combo has been a great
performer in my room. Actually, the best there is. When I can afford, I
will consider the 1.3/PM6A or 2.5 II/PM6A."-----Paul Bui

"First of all, thanks for an amazing
loudspeaker. A friend of mine ordered a pair of Fostex 206E for himself
and for me. We have been speaking of doing this for the past 10 years or
so and finally we decided to go for it. Luckily I finished the woodworking
first......My friend came down to my house for the first listening session......We
were just sitting there and laughing, the sound is amazing, just AMAZING.
The clarity and detail is out of this world. And the sound is getting better
and better every day. My former loudspeakers were ProAc Response 2.5. They
are placed down in the basement for the moment, probably one of my kids
will get them in their room, or I will put them on the fire in my garden
this summer.!"--Sigurd Krekling (from Norway)

"I have just finished the short run
in period of about 30-40 hours. The FE206E are indeed full range drive
units. They are mounted in 2.77 cubic foot enclosure with your recommended
porting. I am very impressed, there appears to be no frequency peak/ dip
that intrudes into the music. Both male and female vocals are beautiful,
no hard edge. I am amazed at the sweet high frequencies, no need for a
super tweeter. I cannot find anything to complain about, even the low end
is correct, not booming or under weight, just there when needed. The FE206E
drive units must be the bargain of the century, I have built one of the
best loudspeakers systems I have heard for about $300.00. Thank you."-----Laurence
Platt

"First of all, I wish you a very happy,
healthy, and prosperous New Year spent spreading the cheer of awesome musical
reproduction!! I am enjoying your Fostex Micromonitors so much I can't
tell you. They are the best speakers, by far, I have ever had or heard,
and I have had and heard megabuck speakers from most of the 'big names'
in audio. I would endorse them above anything else I know. My space is
simply too small for the Minimonitors, and I am happy. Now I read on your
site about the Nirvanas. If they are so much better than the Fostex, I
am interested."--JanMiddeldorf

"The speakers continue to break in
and are awesome, much more detailed and open than the Vandersteens!"--Robert
Cavanaugh

"I installed the Fostex FE206E speakers
in the cabinet built on your plans last night. I lack words to describe
how ecstatic I am with the sound. Thanks!"--Richard Meyer

"I received them today, Tuesday, in
fine shape. I'm very pleased. Thanks."-----Doug Criner